Aamir Khan Salutes Statue Of Unity Depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel On Republic Day, Lauds PM Modi

India is celebrating its 76th Republic Day today, January 26, 2025. The air of patriotism and unity is rife among citizens, and B-Town’s biggest stars are no different. Everyone, from Alia Bhatt to Akshay Kumar, has taken to their social media handles with powerful messages commemorating the special occasion. Iconic actor Aamir Khan added further to the celebratory atmosphere by paying a visit to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, saluting it, and then lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision in building it.

Aamir Khan pays a visit to the Statue of Unity and salutes it on India’s 76th Republic Day

On the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, actor Aamir Khan paid a visit to the Statue of India in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, and saluted. Later, in a press conference, Aamir shared the thoughts running through his head in that moment and showered praise on PM Narendra Modi’s vision in building the world’s tallest statue. The actor can be quoted as saying:

"I had the opportunity to sit down and reflect on the freedom fighters, including my great-uncle Maulana Azad, who stood alongside Gandhi during the struggle. It was a very special day for me, and I truly enjoyed myself. This is a remarkable place that PM Modi envisioned and built. It has become something extraordinary. I encourage all citizens to visit here."

More on the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The impressive 182-meter (597-foot) Statue of Unity resembles Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel, an influential figure in India’s freedom movement. After independence, Patel became the nation’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Known for playing a key role in India’s political integration, Patel’s statue is located near Kevadia in Gujarat and faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, an estimated 100 kilometers southeast of Vadodara.

The plans for the statue’s construction were announced by Narendra Modi in 2010 during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. The actual work would begin later in October 2013, with Indian company Larsen & Toubro heading the project worth Rs. 27 billion (USD 422 million). Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar was the mastermind behind the Statue of Unity’s design, and the finished sculpture was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, marking the 143rd anniversary of Sardar Patel’s birth.

Watch the video here.

Aamir Khan’s great-uncle and freedom fighter Maulana Azad was responsible for the former’s career in films

Aamir Khan once opened up about his great-uncle, Muslim scholar, and nationalist, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was responsible for the former’s career in showbiz. During his opening address at the 2014 Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), Aamir recounted that his uncle, producer Nasir Hussain, and father, producer Tahir Hussain had wanted to join the cinema industry, but their family was dead set against it. 

Nasir then approached Maulana Azad for advice, and the latter’s advice was one that stuck not only with him but with Aamir as well: ‘Don't listen to anyone, do what your heart says.’ Aamir further stated that it was likely because of this advice that he had a career in showbiz as well. He can be quoted as saying:

"Actually if Maulana Azad hadn't given that advice, my uncle might not have been in films, then my father wouldn't have joined films and if my father hadn't joined films I might have been somewhere else."

Aamir Khan on the professional front

On the work front, Aamir Khan is all set for an eventful 2025 jam-packed with a diverse lineup of projects as an actor and a producer. Aamir’s pipeline includes films like Lahore: 1947, Sitaare Zameen Par, Ek Din, and Pritam Pyaare. As per a Pinkvilla report, Aamir Khan is narrowing down release strategies for Lahore: 1947, which was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and stars Sunny Deol. Sources suggest the Aamir is aiming for an August 2025 release for the film at present.

What do you think of Aamir Khan saluting the Statue of Unity on India’s 76th Republic Day?

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